Is Thief of Damascus Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Thief of Damascus is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 78 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

Verdict:Thief of Damascus is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.
With a rating of 5.8/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Adventure, Fantasy, Romance genre.
Answer: Maybe not, Thief of Damascus is likely a skip if you enjoy Adventure movies.
It features a runtime of 78 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Last updated: January 12, 2026
Released in 1952, Thief of Damascus enters the Adventure genre with a narrative focused on A young man assembles a band of adventurers to take on an evil sultan. Under the direction of Will Jason, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
The film is anchored by performances from Paul Henreid. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
From a technical standpoint, Thief of Damascus offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Beyond the narrative, Thief of Damascus resonates with current cultural themes in the Adventure space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
As of early 2026, Thief of Damascus is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
The plot of Thief of Damascus centers on a unique premise within the Adventure landscape. A young man assembles a band of adventurers to take on an evil sultan. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1952 cinema will find fairly predictable.
The ending of Thief of Damascus has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Thief of Damascus sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final verdict for Thief of Damascus (1952): with an audience rating of 5.8/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of Adventure, Fantasy, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Thief of Damascus stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1952 cinematic year.
Thief of Damascus has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Thief of Damascus is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure, Fantasy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Thief of Damascus may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Thief of Damascus has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Thief of Damascus is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Adventure, Fantasy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Thief of Damascus may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Thief of Damascus is a Adventure, Fantasy, Romance movie that follows: A young man assembles a band of adventurers to take on an evil sultan....
Thief of Damascus is classified as Adventure, Fantasy, Romance. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
Thief of Damascus is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
A young man assembles a band of adventurers to take on an evil sultan.
If only for the cave with the sliding door, I remember this mildly entertaining fantasy adventure from my childhood. It all follows the usual path of a hero who falls in love with the princess to the chagrin of his boss who also has designs on her! In this case it's the princess "Zafir" (Helen Gilbert) who is the object of everyone's desir; "Amdar" (Paul Henreid) the man she loves and "Khalid" (John Sutton) the malevolent usurper who would have her father's kingdom and his daughter. Fortunately for them, and us, she has the assistance of the wily "Sheherazade" (Jeff Donnell) and there's the occupier of the magic cave, too. He is, of course, "Ali Baba" (Philip Van Zandt) and he might just be persuaded to help out. Oh, right, and there's also "Sinbad" (Lon Chaney Jr.) just to keep the "Arabian Nights" theme fully exploited throughout. With a public execution looming, it is going to fall to the heroic men to save the sultan and his daughter from the scimitar, but will they manage to overcome the city walls and the overwhelming number of royal guards in time? Nothing remotely original, no, but I did quite enjoy this theatrically delivered costume romp, especially the lively effort from Donnell who clearly thinks she's more than a match for any man (character or actor). There's plenty of action to stop the romance getting too cheesy and though Henreid is as wooden as a cedar tree, his talents mix well with the rest of the mediocrity on offer here to present us with a perfectly watchable adventure film.